Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

[Robert K.]

I recently decided to study the stampings on Carter 3269s carbs. I think I have found a re-stamped carb. What do you think?


3269s1.jpg3269s2.jpg3269s3.jpg

Notice the casting mark in the lower right corner in pictures 1 & 2, but missing in 3(the casting mark appears in all of the dozen I looked at except this one). It reminds me of the 4656 fuel pump re-stamps that are missing the casting seam.

What do you think?

[Edward J.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Bob, I had to bet I would say that the molds may differ slightly with each body. As the pics you show, all 3 differ slightly. the stamps appear to be the same. Also along with the date and number stamps, I would think the body and air horn casting numbers would also be part of the judging. I know there are a few AFB carb numbers that are hard to come by, And restamps may very well be out there.

[Mike E.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

In one word, yes. I believe the one pic could be a restamp. A good one. What about component numbers and bellcrank configuration?

[Robert K.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Mike, I haven't looked at components or bellcranks yet, but will. It appears that the suspected re-stamp is misus the casting marks that seem to appear on all supposedly correct pads. With cores for these carbs eclipsing $500, I suspect we will see more counterfeits.

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[Stuart F.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Bob;

I'm more familiar with the 3461S and 3720/21 series used on 63 through 65, and replacements. I have noticed some very small changes in carbs bearing the same model number stamps, but different production date codes. As a for instance, I only recently discovered the "Vapor Vent Holes" on 3461S models that go from immediately above the butterfly's, through the body to the outside of the body. I can't tell by any of your pictures whether any of your samples have them or not, but they would appear just above your picture ranges. The reason I mention this is that it would be likely for someone to use a more plentiful 3720 or 3721 body and restamp it to a more valuable model like a 3269 or 3461. Check to see if your 3269's have these vapor vent holes like a 3461 and, if not, it may well be a 3720/21 series body. I don't know for sure when they started the vents, but they were common in many pre-emmission carburetors including Rochester which used a notched base to body gasket to accomplish the same purpose.

Stu Fox

[Mike E.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Mike, I haven't looked at components or bellcranks yet, but will. It appears that the suspected re-stamp is misus the casting marks that seem to appear on all supposedly correct pads. With cores for these carbs eclipsing $500, I suspect we will see more counterfeits.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]42099[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]42100[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]42101[/ATTACH]

I've seen a number of restamped ones. It's been at least 10 years since I saw my first 3269S restamp at Carlisle.

[Robert K.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

3269s 8 hole base.jpg3269s 2 holes filled base.jpg3269s G1 re-stamp.jpgI just noticed that several of the high dollar rebuilt carbs on ebay have 8 mounting holes in the base plate instead of 6. What's up with that?

I took another look and at least half of the dozen or so I looked at are now suspect as re-stamps. It seems that instead of the casting mark protruding outward the rebuilders use a pick punch and creat a casting mark inward. Very cleaver.

[Dick W.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

There are builders out there that stamp carbs, if the correct pieces are used, are virtually undetectable. Today, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, that is close 'nuff fer me.

[Ray G.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Do we think all of a specific number AFBs etc. were cast, machined, and used at the same time from the same plant ?

[Dick W.]

Re: Has anyone seen re-stamped Carter AFBs?

Do we think all of a specific number AFBs etc. were cast, machined, and used at the same time from the same plant ?

Very good point Ray, there are minute variations in many parts and pieces over the model run. Most compontents such as carburetors, starters, alternators, were batch built. They did not build 50 carburetors today and 2 tomorrow